Wednesday, June 24, 2015

I showed this huge, crazy Salvia (S. desoleana) for Bloom Day last week, noting that it didn't seem to be attracting pollinators. Well, how that has changed! This week bees, wasps and butterflies seem to hover around it constantly. One big bee has been vigorously defending "his" flowers - even against me - so much so that I couldn't get a picture of him.

In honor of last week's celebration of #PollinatorWeek, and because I think every week ought to be pollinator week, this is my image for Wednesday Vignette, hosted by the delightful Anna, of Flutter and Hum.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, that celebration of all things floral at May Dreams Gardens, has come and gone for the month of June. But I was traveling, so I'll caboose onto this event a few days late to document the blooms at Longview Ranch this month.

So far, I haven't seen pollinators enjoying the blooms, but wouldn't you think they would make a beeline to them?

Triteleia laxa is mostly forgiven for its messy, lax leaves (could that be the genesis of the name?) when it blooms with such glorious blue abandon. (Note to self:relocate this lovely native bulb to a place where its foliage will be hidden by other plants next summer.)

It's lavender time, and several plants added years ago as space fillers still earn their keep when they bloom.

Variety names are long-since forgotten, but their scent lives on.

Callistemon 'Woodlander's Hardy Red' has been putting on a show for several weeks.

The neighbor's Bignonia brightens up the north end of our lot. It's a welcome hit of orange in that mostly utilitarian part of our backyard. (correction: this is Campsis radicans. Seems I mixed up my orange-flowered vines.)

Then, when you come around the corner to our back patio, this Cliviaminiata is doing its bit to promote the appreciation of green and orange together.

Out in the sun again, Kniphofia 'Timothy' is just beginning to bloom.

The scent from two plantings of Trachelospermumjasminoides drifts in through our open windows this time of year.

Rosa 'Darlow's Enigma' is coming back strong from a major pruning last year.

Libertiaperegrinans 'Bronze Sword' is loving our early heat.

Feverfew fills in a dry spot under the big Ceanothus.

Lewisia columbiana var. rupicola is still blooming after all the other showier Lewisias have finished.

My former mystery plant, the mullein (Verbascumthapsis) is blooming way up in and under the Trachycarpusfortunei.

Lastly, I'm sorry to report that Halimiumocymoides isn't long for this world. Most of the plant died back and has been pruned back, but I had to share and enjoy these last few yellow blossoms before reluctantly giving it the coupdegrace.

Although I'm late for June's Bloom Day, it is celebrated at May Dreams Gardens on the 15th of each month. Pay Carol a visit there to find out how to join in.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

This past week, I enjoyed a preview of the 11th annual Association of Northwest Landscape Designers Garden Tour happening a week from today, on Saturday June 20, from 10am to 4pm.

If you've been thinking about a yard makeover, are curious about how a professional Landscape Designer can help you achieve a beautiful outdoor space, or if you just like to enjoy Portland gardens, then this is the tour for you.

Eight beautifully designed gardens run the gamut from modern spaces,
- to shady glens,

In one garden, an admitted plant collector shows how a diverse group of plants can be unified and celebrated.

In another, beautifully-designed details make a simple path special.

Cor-ten steel figures large in one of the gardens, both for food and ornamental plantings.

Clever plant choices light up a shady spot in this garden.

And with Portland weather always a factor, each garden designer has provided spaces to enjoy the sun and the shade.

Containers are a big feature of some of the gardens, and they range from lush and full,

- to xeric interpretations, perfectly placed in the sun.

For those that like things on the wild side, there's even a meadow, complete with leaping salmon.

Tickets for the self-guided tour are $25, and proceeds benefit the ANLD scholarship program for
aspiring landscape designers. While they last, tickets are available from these independent garden centers: Al's Garden Center - Sherwood location, Cornell Farm, Garden Fever!, Gardener's Choice and Portland Nursery - check before you go. They're also available at the first and last garden on the tour - details here.

Between the ANLD designers and the generous sponsors, they have put together a delightful summer garden tour for your pleasure. So far, the weather is looking perfect for next weekend - I hope you enjoy the tour as much as I did!